CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (July 24, 2023) — The Pioneer Calendar lists local events, performances and activities for the whole family.

We update the Pioneer Calendar page every week so check back often to find out what’s going on near you.

If you’d like to submit your event to the Pioneer Calendar page, please send email to us at Calendar@pioneerpublishers.com.

In the community

Pleasant Hill Library’s First Birthday Party. Storytime, crafts, mini-train rides, face painting, balloon art, free coffee and doughnuts, plus a birthday cake, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 29, 2 Monticello Ave.

Diablo Japanese American Club’s Summer Festival. Featuring Bonsai, Ikenobo flower arrangements, Taiko drums, dancing and Japanese food favorites, 1-9 p.m. July 29 and noon-8:30 p.m. July 30, Japanese American Religious & Cultural Center, 3165 Treat Blvd., Concord. For more information, visit https://www.diablojaclub.com/summer-festival.

“Ithaka” screening. Documentary about the incarceration of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, 7-9 p.m. July 29, Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Register at ttps://bit.ly/Ithakamovie.

Dana Estates Neighborhood Garage Sale. Sponsored by real estate broker Peter Maclennan, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 12. Contact him at peter@maclennaninvestments.com or 925-385-8798 for details.

Hope 100 Golf Marathon. Registration open for players and sponsors for the fundraiser for Hope Hospice, Oct. 23, Castlewood Country Club, Pleasanton. For more information, visit hope100golfmarathon.com or call Marc Rovetti at 925-829-8770.

Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and 4-8 p.m. Thursdays (with concerts at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays), Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Visit pcfma.org for more information.

Off the Grid. The popular food truck event continues 5-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Trelany Road in Pleasant Hill. For details, visit https://offthegrid.com/event/pleasant-hill/.

Music Around Town

Tuesday Night Blues. Jr. DeVille Blues Band, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 25, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord.

Music & Market. Listen to music while shopping at the Certified Farmers Market, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 28, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. July 27: The Carousel Cowboys. Aug. 3: Jean Fineberg & JAZZphoria. Aug. 10: Latin Touch Band. Aug. 17: Radiokeys. Aug. 24: Native Elements. Aug. 31: Zepparella. Sept. 7: Pop Rocks. Sept. 14: The Sun Kings. Sept. 21: Johnny and June Forever. Sept. 28: House of Floyd.

Jazz Around Town. Jinx Jones, 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 2, free, the Veranda on Concord’s Diamond Boulevard. Jean Fineberg and Jazzphoria, 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 3, free, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Charged Particles, 6-8 p.m. Aug. 4, Concord Historical Society, 1028 Clayton Road; purchase tickets at EventBrite.

Concerts in The Grove: 6-8:30 p.m. every other Saturday through Sept. 16 in downtown Clayton. Aug. 5: Houserockers. Aug. 19: Fleetwood Mask. Sept. 2: Alameda All Stars. Sept. 16: East Bay Mudd. For details, visit https://claytonca.gov/fc/Concerts-In-The-Grove-2023.pdf.

Sunset by the Lake Concert Series. 6-8 p.m. every other Sunday through Labor Day weekend at the lake in Pleasant Hill. Aug. 6: The Groove Doctors. Aug. 20: Native Elements. Sept. 3: The Big Jangle. For details and sponsorship information, visit https://www.pleasanthillca.org/1396/Summer-Concerts.

For Your Health

Grief Support. Sponsored by Hope Hospice, free groups include General Support, Aug. 7-Sept. 25; Loss of a Child, Aug. 8-Sept. 26; and Spousal/Partner Loss, Aug. 8-Sept. 26. Register at 925-829-8770. For more information, visit www.hopehospice.com/services/grief-support.

At the Clayton Library

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information on any of these events, call 925-673-0659 or ccclib.org/events.

Book Club. Adult program, 6-7:45 p.m. July 25 and every fourth Tuesday. This month’s book is “Transcription” by Kate Atkinson. August’s book is “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley.

Camp Clayton. Children’s program. with STEM related crafts and activities, 2-3 p.m. July 26.

Storytimes. Lapsit storytime for children up to age 3, 11-11:15 a.m. Thursdays. Toddler/preschool storytime 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays, with a stay and play event afterward.

Computer/Tech Assistance. Adults can bring their own devices or work with a volunteer, 10 a.m. Fridays. Sign up in person or call to book a 30-min appointment. Drop-ins accommodated as available.

Music and Singing with With Bonnie Lockhart. Children’s program sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation, 2-3 p.m. Aug. 2.

Tai Chi. A gentle, energizing class for adults, noon-1 p.m. every first and third Thursday. Carolyn Lee teaches in the style of Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing. Beginners welcome, no registration required.

Board at the Library: Check out our collection of board and card games for ages 9 to adults, 3-5:30 p.m. Aug. 3.

The arts

“Arrivals and Departures.” Featuring “remembered landscape” paintings by Connie Ryan, through Aug. 5, Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. For more information, call 925-935-4311.

“It Runs in the Family.” Orinda Starlight Village Players present the British farce, through Aug. 17, Orinda Community Center Park amphitheater, 28 Orinda Way. For more information, go to www.orsvp.com.

Arts Around August. A month-long celebration sponsored by the city of Walnut Creek and 12 community organizations. Events include concerts at Broadway Plaza, performing artists at the Maker’s Market Artisan Fair, National Night Out, eight painted pianos placed throughout the downtown and a family mural walk. Visit www.walnutcreekdowntown.com for a complete schedule.

“Carmen.” Festival Opera presents an updated story, Aug. 18 and 20, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Use code FOFRIEND for 20% off tickets. Visit www.festivalopera.org/carmen or call 925-943-7469. Free preview performance 4 p.m. Aug. 6 in Walnut Creek’s Civic Park.

“The Three Feathers.” Solo Opera presents the West Coast premiere of the full version sung in English, Sept. 8 and 10, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. There will be a 30-minute pre-show lecture by opera librettist Dana Gioia. For tickets, call 925-943-7469 or visit lesherartscenter.org.

“Life in Clayton 1850-1870.” 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays for the rest of the year, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Visit claytonhistory.org.

Auditions

“The House on Galloway Street. A Ghost Story.” An original script from The Drama Factory, for actors 20+, Aug. 7-8, Nick Rodriguez Theatre, 213 F Street., Antioch. Be prepared to do a cold read and a little improv. For details, go to www.dramafactory.org.

Diablo Women’s Chorale. Auditions by appointment, 6-9 p.m. Aug. 14, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 3051 Putnam Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Contact Nancy Hickman at 925-899-5050 or hickmandg@gmail.com. Learn more about the group at www.DiabloWomensChorale.org/join-us.